Gritty centreman who excels in contested situations, Sewell was Hawthorn's first selection of the 2002 Rookie Draft, despite battling osteitis pubis for much of 2002.

Sewell impressed all who saw him throughout a fine 2003, working his way from the Box Hill reserves to become a key component of the Grand Final side.

He was rewarded by Hawthorn through elevation to the senior list at the end of 2003. Sewell made an impressive debut against Port Adelaide in early 2004, but only managed five more senior appearances as he was hampered throughout the year by OP.

After looking as though his AFL career would pass him by, Sewell impressed in the second half of 2005 with some excellent stopping roles that reinvigorated his stocks.

2006 was a breakout season for Sewell. He started as a small defender and did a superb blanket job on the likes of Mark Ricciuto, before moving into the midfield late in the season. He was rewarded with a top 3 finish in the Hawthorn best and fairest.

2007 was even better, with some fantastic stopping jobs drawing his name into the media spotlight. Hawthorn made the finals for the first time since 2001, and it was Sewell who was crowned Club Champion that year.